Why Planning for Retirement Early in New Zealand Matters

Retirement can feel distant; something “future you” will figure out. But the truth is simple: the earlier you plan, the better your retirement will look. Every year you delay puts more pressure on your future savings, and for many Kiwis, that gap is already showing.

The reality in New Zealand

• The average KiwiSaver balance is only $37,079; far below what most people will need for a comfortable retirement. Source: RNZ
• Only 44% of New Zealanders feel prepared for retirement, meaning most people expect to fall short. Source: RiskInfoNZ
• Kiwis are living longer. A retirement of 20–30 years is now normal, which means your savings need to stretch further than the generations before you.

For many households, New Zealand Superannuation simply won’t be enough to maintain the lifestyle they want.

Why starting early makes a huge difference

Compounding does the heavy lifting
When you start investing earlier, your returns begin earning returns of their own. Over decades, this effect becomes enormous. You don’t need huge contributions, you just need consistency and time.

You reduce pressure later
If you begin planning in your 20s or 30s, smaller contributions can achieve what much larger contributions would need to do in your 40s or 50s.

You gain flexibility and choices
Want to retire earlier? Work part-time? Travel more? Help your children?
These choices depend on planning, not guessing.

You protect yourself from rising costs
Inflation, housing, healthcare, and longer lifespans all mean one thing: the earlier you prepare, the more secure you’ll be.

What you should be thinking about now

• Are you contributing enough to KiwiSaver to reach your retirement goals?
• Do you have investments outside KiwiSaver to build additional wealth?
• Have you estimated how much you’ll actually need at retirement?
• Do your goals match your current savings habits?
• Do you have a proper financial plan - or are you hoping it will “work out”?

This is where real planning matters

Invicta Financial doesn’t just help with KiwiSaver or investments, we help you build a full retirement and financial plan.
That includes:

• A clear projection of your retirement income
• Strategies for building wealth inside and outside KiwiSaver
• Independent investment advice
• Insurance reviews to protect your long-term goals
• A step-by-step plan you can actually follow
• Regular reviews to keep you on track

Planning isn’t paperwork - it’s designing the future you want.

Take the First Step Toward Your Future

If you want to know whether you're on track, or how far off you might be, we’ll walk you through it. A retirement plan gives you clarity, confidence, and control over the years ahead.

Talk to Invicta Financial about your retirement planning today.
Your future lifestyle depends on the decisions you make now.